Arsenal close to Noni Madueke agreement with Chelsea

Arsenal are nearing an agreement with Chelsea to sign winger Noni Madueke, with talks between the clubs reportedly commencing after the FIFA Club World Cup, according to Sky Sports.

On Friday, reports confirmed that the two London clubs have agreed on a £50 million deal, paving the way for the English international to join Arsenal this summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has made significant progress in negotiations with the player, who is reportedly eager to move across the capital.

Madueke is expected to sign a five-year contract, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.

The 23-year-old winger featured in 45 matches for Chelsea last season, contributing 11 goals and five assists.

Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, has made 91 appearances for the reigning Conference League champions.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are focused on bolstering their attacking options for the upcoming season, particularly on the left flank, with the former PSV forward identified as the perfect candidate to challenge Gabriel Martinelli and provide cover for Bukayo Saka.

However, Madueke appeared 33 times on Chelsea’s right side during the 2024/25 season and only seven times on the left, contributing no goals or assists in that period.

Arsenal, having explored several options for their forward line, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, already have Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri as strong contenders for the right-wing position.

Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV for £29 million in January 2023, and still has five years remaining on his contract. Nevertheless, the Blues have significantly bolstered their attacking options this summer.

On incomings, Chelsea have bolstered their attack with the signings of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million and João Pedro from Brighton in a deal potentially worth £60 million.

The west London club also added Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of £48.5m, plus £3.5m in potential add-ons.

As it stands, Arsenal are expected to complete Maduake’s signing within the coming days before pre-season starts.